Vertical active fire and smoke curtain barrier suitable for applications requiring BS 8524-compliant smoke control and life-safety performance, including protected means of escape, atria, lobbies, reception areas, corridor separation, openings in fire-resisting walls, boundary protection, escalators, stairwells, lift shafts and lift lobbies.

Commonly specified within hospitals and healthcare environments, schools and universities, hotels, high-rise buildings, offices, retail developments, stadia, museums and galleries, as well as transport infrastructure such as train stations and airports. Also suitable for warehouses, factories, nurseries, shopping centres, restaurants, and defence or custodial environments where certified fire and smoke containment is critical.

The Flameshield 8524 (S) Fire and Smoke curtain is designed for multiple applications such:

• Protected means of escape.
• Atriums.
• Lobbies.
• Receptions.
• Openings in walls.
• Egress.
• Corridor separation.
• Boundary protection.
• Escalators.
• Stairs.
• Lifts and lift lobbies.
• Hospitals.
• Schools.
• Hotels.
• High Buildings.
• Offices.
• Military sites.
• Retail.
• Stadia.
• Museums and galleries.
• Prisons.
• Train stations.
• Airports.
• Warehouses.
• Factories.
• Nurseries.
• Shopping centres.
• Restaurants.

The Flameshield 8524 (S) Vertical Active Fire and Smoke Curtain Barrier is an electrically operated, gravity fail-safe fire and smoke control system developed specifically to meet the life-safety requirements of BS 8524-1, with installation in accordance with BS 8524-2. The system provides 120 minutes fire integrity and up to 85 minutes radiation performance at 15 kW/m², supporting occupant tenability and protected means of escape strategies.

The barrier assembly incorporates a carbon steel barrel and integrated 24 V d.c. electric motor, with a high-performance flexible fire curtain fabric capable of withstanding temperatures in excess of 1000°C. Barrel deflection performance complies with BS 6323-5, ensuring structural stability during deployment. A two-section T-profile bottom rail delivers smooth, controlled descent and reliable gravity fail-safe operation in the event of power or system failure.

The Flameshield 8524 (S) includes internal battery back-up, enabling continued operational readiness during mains power interruption. A two-stage closing sequence with split-drop and timed delay options supports phased evacuation and enhanced safety management in occupied buildings.

Designed to support architectural intent as well as performance, the system can be concealed above ceiling lines, with end plates, guides and head boxes available in specialist RAL finishes, allowing seamless integration with interior design schemes.

A comprehensive range of ancillary safety equipment is available, including egress switches, access switches, obstruction detection, and heat and smoke activation, all fully tested to Annex H of BS 8524-1. Optional audible and visual warning systems, including voice warning devices, can be specified to enhance occupant awareness during curtain deployment.

The Flameshield 8524 (S) is fully compliance-tested, offers low maintenance requirements, and is capable of full reset following fire testing without the need for specialist engineer attendance.

Independent testing and approval has been carried out by Warrington Fire Research Centre and Exova, including:

• BS EN 1634-1 – fire resistance and radiation performance
• BS EN 1634-3 – smoke containment
• BS 8524-1 – active fire curtain barrier assemblies

Associated Warrington test references include WF 341175 (deflection), WF 347098 (smoke), WF 399170 (motor performance) and WF 399421 (surface spread of flame to BS 476-6 and BS 476-7).

Features and benefits:

• Gravity fail safe closes without mains power.
• Internal battery back up.
• Provides smoke control.
• Lightweight slimline compact design.
• Two stage closing operation. Split drop and delay drop.
• Compliance tested to maintain building fire safety and integrity in accordance with BS 8524-1.
• Installed in accordance with BS 8524-2.
• Can be hidden neatly above the ceiling line to assist the building design and aesthetics.
• Voice warning devices available.
• Fully resets after fire test without the need for engineers to attend.
• Low maintenance costs.
• Timed delay closing.